The Alfred's News | Page 7

Centreboard News 2016 Laser Metro Champs by Steve Bryant Having recently attended the Masters up at Port Stephens, the remainder of our Laser fleet joined us oldies on home territory for the Metros, run by BYRA up in the big pond. We had expected a very busy racecourse, given the mix of other regattas being held on Pittwater over the weekend but RO Col Chidgey managed to keep us clear of most boats and with an almost classic north-easter blowing on both days, we managed to complete the full 6 scheduled races. RPAYC entries were spread throughout the 70 strong fleet, with 23 of our boats making it out onto the race course, showing just again how strong we are currently in the Laser community. Our young 4.7 fleet performed best over the weekend, with Nathan and Anthony taking out 2nd and 3rd respectively – Nathan’s port tack start at the pin under a Black Flag was memorable! The Radials unfortunately did not perform quite as well, with Andy topping the RPAYC Radial fleet in 13th place – but it was a very tough high quality fleet I must add! Following on from their Black Flag practises up at the Masters, the Radials yet again showed the way with several restarts. Over in the Standard fleet, RPA sailors were spread throughout the fleet, with Chris and Will leading the way in 4th and 5th respectively. Thanks go out to the RO Col Darrin over at BYRA and Malcom’s Sailing Scene for support and prizes. Another fantastic regatta, shame there are not many more until the Icebreaker hits again. Photo: Credit Dinghy Fever Photography full album visit http://www.dinghyfever. com/metropolitan-laser-championships-byra.html Jack and Shaun for win the F16 Nationals at Paynesville during Easter Weekend - Words by Shaun Connor Over Easter I travelled to Gippslands Lakes in Victoria for the F16 Nationals. After returning from the Youth Worlds during Christmas, I have been sailing The F18 and the 49er so when I received a call from an old friend that Nick used to sail the laser with from Victoria asking me to sail, with him in the F 16 Nationals ,I had no hesitation. My family stayed on Raymond Island and the Regatta was held in Paynesville, very pretty part of the world which I had never been before. We raced a Viper which is a multihull with a kite. It is very exciting boat to sail, being lighter and more responsive like a 49 but not as robust and sturdy as my F18. The weather was colder and had me wearing my winter weight wetsuit and thermals,which hadn’t seen light of day since the 29er Worlds in Canada. Jack and I got our crew work together and really enjoyed the competitive racing,with great breeze and very tight mark roundings ,with our worst result being a 3rd,we where lucky enough to come away with a win. The schedule worked well as I could study in the morning then jump on my bike ride to catch the ferry from Raymond Island to the club and Sail in the afternoon. Thank you to Race officers and club for hosting the event and Jack and his folks for the opportunity to sail and a fun presentation night. Back now into study for my HSC. The Annual Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club Centreboard Presentation Evening Saturday May 7 RSVP Online http://www.rpayc.com.au/news-events/eventcalendar/event/3724-centreboard-presentationevening The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club Centreboard Committee invites Centreboard members and their guests to the Annual Centreboard Presentation Evening. Who? Competitors and their guests. When? 18:30 for a 19:00 start. Where? The Halyards Annex. Dress Code: Smart Casual.